Gizmo Varillas - 'Dreaming Of Better Days'

Gizmo Varillas - 'Dreaming Of Better Days'

Spanish frontman gets ponderous on second studio album

8/10

Living in today's world has proven very tough for musicians like Gizmo Varillas. His naturally upbeat attitude and hopeless romantic sense of nature seems at odds with the tension and disruption of today's political climate. But rather than try and ignore our current state of affairs, the Spanish frontman has taken it all on board and managed to create a full-length release that looks for the joy and ambition of our new world.

Following on from his brilliant debut album 'El Dorado' last year, the singer-songwriter has maintained a lot of that core sound of funk-filled guitars and an almost psychedelic production style. With soft yet sensual vocals, Gizmo delivers a record that begs to have a good time. While it may be through the guise of this unpredictable lens, he has managed to turn some of the world's biggest fears into a hopeful and sometimes joyous feeling of expectation.

This is by far the most uplifting record we have heard so far this year. There is a special talent about making feel-good music without it becoming cheesy, and Gizmo Varillas certainly has that gift. A wonderfully composed release that will serve as the soundtrack to many sunny days to come.